By K.E. Macphie
After weeks of anticipation, a stunning new mural celebrating the Frogtown and Rondo neighborhoods through a Native lens was unveiled on Native American Heritage Day, November 29, at 825 Arts in St. Paul. This vibrant work of art is more than a mural—it is a community-driven masterpiece reflecting resilience, creativity, and cultural pride.
The 288-square-foot mural was designed and created by the Iktomi Crew: Willard Malebear Jr. (Lakota), Dee Johnson (Ojibwe), and Coleman Stevens (Oneida). This talented trio of Native tattoo artists from the Indigenous-owned Iktomi Tattoo in Minneapolis brought their unique artistry, cultural knowledge, and life experience to the project.
They collaborated closely with the community, holding extensive conversations and welcoming input via a link on their website that allowed neighbors to share their ideas and visions for the mural.
“My journey as a professional tattoo artist and custom painter has been profoundly transformative, and I am passionate about sharing the healing power of creativity with everyone I encounter,” said Iktomi owner and artist Willard Malebear Jr. His tattoo shop, located just east of Lake Bde Maka Ska in Minneapolis, has been a beacon of artistic expression and healing. It also houses Art Shelf, a collaborative space where artists can use donated supplies, work on projects, or host craft fairs and art exhibits.
Malebear and his team were honored to contribute to 825 Arts’ vision. “It’s incredible to create a piece that honors the vibrant communities of Frogtown and Rondo while also uplifting Native stories,” said Malebear.
The idea for the mural was born over the summer during a series of 825 Arts community events. Featuring free food, live music, and art-making, these gatherings became spaces for healing and creativity. “Our 110-year-old building has a lot of historical elements and features, but none that center Indigenous voices or stories,” shared 825 Arts’ Executive Director Tyler Olsen-Highness. “As an organization committed to amplifying all voices in our community, we wanted to ensure that Native artists were celebrated loud and clear in our space.”
Through these events, a design took shape. The mural centers around three powerful figures, surrounded by a joyful, action-filled community. The imagery celebrates the diverse cultures that make Frogtown and Rondo special while honoring the land’s Indigenous roots.
The mural’s final phase of creation became a true community effort. On a spirited day of painting, neighbors from the toddlers to the elders came together to bring the mural to life. The 825 Arts building buzzed with activity as plastic sheeting lined the floor, local DJs played uplifting beats, and food from nearby restaurants fueled the participants. The Iktomi Crew guided the work, ensuring everyone had a hand in shaping the mural’s legacy.
Afterward, the Iktomi Crew transported the canvas back to their shop in Minneapolis to refine and add intricate details. Their decades of combined tattooing experience allowed them to transform the community’s broad brushstrokes into a polished, breathtaking final piece.
This monumental project was made possible through a generous $2 million gift from the Mellon Foundation, which supported the capital campaign to transform 825 Arts into a dynamic space for art and community. Since its grand opening in August, 825 Arts has hosted programs ranging from Double Dutch and youth art workshops to performances and healing events. The new mural now serves as a vibrant centerpiece, symbolizing the inclusivity and creativity that 825 Arts stands for.
For the Iktomi Crew, the mural marks yet another chapter in their journey to uplift Indigenous voices and artistry. Beyond their work in tattooing, Malebear, Johnson, and Stevens are committed to creating spaces where Native stories are celebrated and shared.
The mural is more than an artistic triumph—it is a testament to the power of collaboration, cultural pride, and community healing. As Frogtown and Rondo residents see themselves reflected in its vibrant hues and themes, the mural becomes a living, breathing reminder of the strength and beauty within these neighborhoods.
You can learn more about Iktomi Tattoo or book an appointment at iktomitatto.com. Visit their shop and Art Shelf at 1415 W 35th St., Minneapolis, MN 55408.
To experience the mural and everything else 825 Arts has to offer, visit them in person at 825 University Ave W, St. Paul, MN 55104, or follow them online at 825arts.org and on social media: @825arts on Instagram and Facebook.
